2024 Women's Grief Retreat

2-day event

285 Oblate Drive | San Antonio, TX 78216

Lunch provided on Saturday

NO WAIVED OR DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT.

ALL REFUNDS ARE SUBJECT TO A 10% PROCESSING FEE.

No person is an island. We can not overlook our interconnectedness nor the fact that no one escapes this world without suffering, grief, and loss—it is all relevant. From health, to careers, communities, relationships, and the list continues. What or who have you lost? How has it changed you? How do we continue to navigate these losses and journey through the grief in a way that transcends our expectations? This invitation is created to dive together into, and embrace, the lives of those who came before us and those still with us. It asks us to be open to allowing all these experiences to transform us in ways that allow us to further gift others on their journeys. Join fellow sojourners for a respite in the busyness of life to hear, see and experience what these losses can show us.

• A journal and pen for reflections
• A photo of your favorite saint (optional)
• A photo of a deceased loved one who provided comfort and is often in your thoughts
• A photo of someone currently in your life who brings you comfort
• Your favorite coffee mug or water bottle

Christina (Tina) M. Guerra is a poet, spiritual director, widow, mother of one daughter and grandmother to two grandchildren. She graduated with honors from Wayland Baptist University with an Associates Degree of Applied Science, specializing in Criminal Justice. Guerra was a 2002 Nominee—Outstanding Women in State Government (Texas) and in 2003 received an Honorable Mention—Good Housekeeping National Award, Women in Government, for her community outreach and underage alcohol prevention efforts through a community-led psychodrama called Shattered Dreams, incorporating an overnight retreat similar to many faith-based retreats. Guerra is also a cofounder of CoCreating Harmony and Mobilizing Peacemakers (CCHaMPs) that conduct spiritual workshops for women throughout the Archdiocese. Tina is also the author of Don’t Bother Me I’m Dying-A Journey Through Sorrow and Joy with Hope.

After retiring with 30 years service with the state of Texas, Guerra transitioned into spiritual direction to serve varied populations in numerous capacities, such as Soul-Friend with Haven For Hope (facilitating grief and loss retreats for its residents), a hospital lay chaplain (certified Respecting Choices facilitator who works with the chronically/terminal patient and their families), a hospice chaplain and as a spiritual director and retreat facilitator. She completed studies with Oblate Grotto & Direction Ministries, San Antonio in 2009, The Center For Spiritual Growth And The Contemplative Life, San Antonio in 2012 and is a 2014 Associate of The Shalem Institute in Washington, DC.

Guerra is also an Elder with Oblate School of Theology’s Forest Dwelling Program.

Yvonne P. Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor and in 2022, she retired from the San Antonio Fire Department after 24 years as a firefighter/paramedic. She has a private counseling practice and previously worked at Warrior’s Heart, a residential treatment center for veterans and first responders dealing with addiction and mental health issues. Yvonne has a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio and focuses on Stress and Trauma, and their effects. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, one of only a few research-based treatments for PTSD, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Peer Support, Crisis Intervention, Trauma and Grief, and other Crisis and Trauma related topics.

Having experienced first-hand the effects of trauma, loss and grief on herself and others in her field, she is very comfortable walking with her clients on their journey through whatever they may be dealing with. Her goal is to provide a safe space for healing and growth. Yvonne is a member of St. Luke Catholic Church, CCHaMPs, Shields of Christ, and has facilitated numerous retreats throughout the archdiocese. She has 2 adult children and 2 rescue dogs.

Host or Publisher Oblate School of Theology